About

Who is the WordPress community and why is there a need for WP&UP?

WordPress is a free and open-source Content Management System (CMS), powering 30.7% of the top 10 million websites globally (at time of print). The project is supported by a global community of individuals and businesses. In 2017 the ONS liststed 64,000 web design and development professionals in the UK alone. The US BLS lists 266,300 web professionals.

With an increase from 2016 to 2017 of 26,000 people registering as self-employed in the UK and the fast pace of the distributed workforce gaining popularity for companies of all sizes, the Work From Home (WFH) style of working is now commonplace. Whilst the WFH model can offer individuals flexibility, greater freedoms and allow companies to hire without discriminating based on location, it also presents new challenges and responsibilities for both the individual and the employing company.

The WordPress community is made up of freelancers, consultants, web developers, designers, agencies and many more, using the WFH model. Without the traditional interaction with co-workers and colleagues, the WFH model has the potential to impact the individual negatively from a mental health perspective.

Following a WP&UP survey, 64% of respondents stated they felt “mental health” was an area in which they wanted additional support.

With this change in working patterns and environments, we are seeing an increase in people from the global WordPress community openly acknowledging they are experiencing mental health issues linked to isolation.

WP&UP recognises the challenges, not only for those trying to run their own businesses, but also from all the related activities which can contribute to the onset of mental ill-health.

Through in-person events, training, mentorship, support services and coaching WP&UP tackles these issues through our four Health Hubs: Skills Health, Business Health, Physical Health and Mental Health. All equally important to support a well-balanced member of the WordPress community.

Our Mission

To support & promote positive mental health within the WordPress community.

The WP&UP Health Hubs

WP&UP recognises that members of the WordPress community can potentially manifest mental health issues from a variety of pressures. The WP&UP Health Hubs are designed to provide holistic support for the individual.

Our Goals

Wellbeing - support the mental health wellbeing of the WordPress communityPromoted - by promoting positive support
&Upskill - delivering cutting edge training to upskill within our Health Hubs,People - and remain focused on the person.

Our Values

Willing - We have a willingness to support you within any or all areas of the Health Hubs,Professional - you can expect a professional service, dedicated to you
&Unbiased - our team will remain unbiased in all aspects of your supportPersonal - and at all times we will stay focused on you personally and confidentially